2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Fleet addition, in both senses of the phrase.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Total miles

2879

Miles since last report

na

Average mpg to date

18.4

Best mpg (avg of 3)

21.2

Worst mpg (avg of 3)

15.2

Repair costs to date

$0

Maintenance costs to date

$0

Delivered price

$39,678

Like Mr. Iron Mike Tyson himself, this Subie doesn't really require an introduction, nor do we feel the need to fabricate a clever reason why we requested one to join the ranks of our long-term fleet. But since we're on the subject, and just in case you ask, we've never had an for an extended period of time or distance and, by golly, now is as good a time as ever!

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Aside from returning impressive knockout power from a relatively small package of 2.5 liters, the STI has matured significantly in appearance and character, which goes far beyond fresh new facial tattoos — no offense, Mike. To start, boy-racer wanna-bes will now have to go out and get man-racer jobs as our favorably optioned STI is stickered at just under $40K (before tax). The base MSRP stands at a moderately increased $34,995, but add the newly available touch-screen navigation system and a set of four irresistible 18-in. forged BBS alloy wheels, and your cost hikes up another $3800. Believe it or not, the color of your BBS wheels dictates the color of your car, as our choice of a less traditional silver finish (over gold) automatically excluded us from both the Aspen White and signature WR Blue Mica exterior colors. Disappointment faded when we gazed upon our turbocharged chariot in the Dark Gray Metallic hue so befitting its aggressive, rally-carlike demeanor.

The gap between a pedestrian or even a and the new STI is now more apparent than ever. Flared fenders add more than 2 in. of width to the STI head on, but done to accommodate a near 1.5–2.0 in. increase in track front and rear — did we mention that this thing looks good? The turbocharged flat-4 posts figures that command respect at 305 bhp (up 12 bhp from last year) and 290 lb.-ft. of torque (which peaks 400 rpm earlier), utilizing new variable-valve timing on the exhaust side in addition to the preexisting intake valve control.

A stiffer platform, revised suspension and longer wheelbase aid handling dynamics, ride comfort and interior volume, and the hard numbers do not lie. Subjectively the STI may have strayed a little too much to the softer side of things, at least for some hard-core enthusiasts. Rather than "visceral," we see "sprightly" as the car trades one part competition for two parts compliance. Admittedly not a horrendous deviation, but enough to notice comparing past generations and something we weren't expecting from a vehicle representing those oh so pink, but masculine, letters: S,T and I.

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Additions to the WRX's drivetrain and its governing mechanisms that we are eager to fully explore include the new and more precise Electronic Throttle Control, which also comes with three different throttle maps labeled Intelligent, Sport and Sport # (# = Sharp) selectable with a center console dial you might recognize from the GT spec.B. The DCCD, or Driver Controlled Center Differential, gains three automatically controlled performance modes (Auto, Auto + and Auto -), which look at acceleration/deceleration, steering angle, lateral g and wheel slip to determine optimal torque distribution, in addition to the six manual-lock settings available previously, providing up to 50:50 front to rear torque biasing under full lock.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) allows for three settings this year with full stability control on, a Traction mode with raised performance limits accessed by holding down the VDC button until the light turns green, and VDC off, indicated by a yellow light after you press the appropriate button just once.

There are certainly a lot of things to fiddle around and become familiar with over the next 50,000 miles, but we'll be doing so in the comfort of a much sounder and well-appointed interior. The materials are a noticeable step up from the previous model's, which should make people think twice before gutting an STI in the name of Colin Chapman.

Our new Subaru WRX STI arrived on our doorstep with about as many miles as it took to roll off the assembly line, and it's been an excruciating test in self-control working up to the recommended break-in mileage. But now that we've finally paid our dues, let's say we go out and have ourselves some good ol' grown-up fun!

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